The beat is on! Celebrating 75 years of Israel Independence

Rhythmania

The Embassy of Israel in the Philippines celebrated in grand fashion Israel's 75th Independence Day via a reception held last May 4 at the Manila Hotel.

Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss recalled that the strong ties between the two nations started with President Manuel Quezon's Open-Door Policy that gave Jews feeling from the Nazi regime a safe haven in the Philippines and also the vote of the Philippines in favor of the UN Resolution in 1947 for the establishment of the Jewish State of Israel. Recent developments between the two countries include Israel's assistance when the Philippines was devasted by typhoons Yolanda and Odette, economic and defense cooperation between the two countries, and the 2018 visit of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to Israel in 2018, the first official visit to Israel of a Filipino President in office.

Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss

“I am proud to represent Israel, a country that within 75 years has become a global leader and a source of knowledge, research, and development, and innovation and technology,” Ambassador Fluss said. The Ambassador expressed his eagerness to partner with the Philippines to build more bridges in various areas, including innovation and technology, between the two countries and its people and to support each other in addressing the challenges in the years to come, especially during times of need. Ambassador Fluss also recognized the 30,000 Filipino caregivers in Israel dedicated to taking care of the elderly and disabled people.

Rhythmania's Roni Shahar

Since it had been five years since the last reception in celebration of Israel's Independence was held, it was time to party and Rhtyhmania, an Israeli all-female drum/percussion group made the event more festive. Composed of Carmel Sinetar, Roni Shahar, and Moran Tzadok, the trio not only provided pulsating beats, but also brought out the inner drummer of the guests with a very interactive performance. Prior to the reception Rhythmania held a series of workshops and outreach events at White Cross Orphanage in San Juan City, Laura Vicuna Foundation, and children from different schools of Makati City.

In 2023, Yom Haatzmaut or Israeli Independence Day falls from sundown on April 25 to sundown on April 26 in the Hebrew calendar. This day marks the rebirth of Israel as a nation by a United Nations plebiscite in 1947.

The Philippines and Israel celebrated 65 years of friendship on February 26. This was the day when the Treaty of Friendship was signed in 1958 between the Republic of the Philippines and the State of Israel, establishing their full diplomatic relations.